DIY Quilted Scrap Tote Bag: Turning Textile Waste into Sustainable Style
I’m a firm believer in staying conscious of our footprint in the fashion industry. I hate the idea of contributing to the staggering amount of textile waste, so I’m always looking for ways to give every little snippet of fabric a second life.
Today, I’m showing you how to turn those tiny leftovers into a DIY Quilted Tote Bag. She’s spacious enough for gym gear or fabric shopping, features a clever drawstring closure (no zippers today!), and is 100% unique.
For my
Visual Learners
I am so incredibly excited to show you how I made my very first sweater! If you love seeing things in action as much as I do, you can watch the whole video and my full explanation right here. Just hit play and let’s get started!
Tools & Materials
Step 1: Sketch and Pattern Prep
I started with a sketch to visualize the volume. I wanted this bag to be big!
The Pattern: * Outer & Lining: I cut my main panels with extra allowance.
- The Volume: To create that “boxy” bottom, I planned a 5×5 cm cutout for the outer bag and a 6×6 cm cutout for the lining.
- The Pockets: I traced these directly onto my pattern.
Pro-Tip: I used a “pressing guide” hack—a piece of stiff paper with 1cm and 2cm marks—to help me get perfectly crisp folds with my iron. It’s a game-changer!
Step 2: Prepping the “Scrap Sandwich”
I started with a sketch to visualize the volume. I wanted this bag to be bBefore cutting your final shapes, give your base fabric a good press.
- Add Allowance: For the outer layer, add 1.5 to 2 cm of extra allowance. Quilting can shrink or distort the fabric, so we’ll trim it to the exact size after the stitching is done.
- Interfacing: I added fuse to the outer pieces for strength. It’s optional for the body, but I highly recommend it for the straps so they don’t feel flimsy.
- The “Confetti” Process: Cut your scraps into tiny pieces. It’s very therapeutic, but fair warning: your hands might get tired! I did this while listening to Florence + The Machine.
Step 3: The Quilting Magic
This is my favorite part! Lay your scrap pieces onto your outer fabric.
Density is key: Layer them up, but don’t go so thick that your sewing machine struggles.
Pin like crazy: Lay tulle over the scraps and pin everywhere to prevent shifting.
Sewing: I used my presser foot as a guide to sew straight, parallel lines across the whole piece. It takes hours, so grab a snack and a podcast!
Step 4: Constructing the Bag & Straps
Once quilted, trim your panels back to the original pattern size.
The Shrinkage is Real: This fabric shrinks insanely—almost to half its size once washed. If you’re planning a project, buy double the yardage you think you need!
The Box Bottom: Sew your sides and bottom, then align the seams of your corner cutouts to create that 3D base.
Step 5: Pockets and Lining
I added four pockets total (two on each side of the lining).
Stitch them onto the lining, making sure they are both facing the right way up!
Sew the pocket pieces right sides together, leave a gap, flip, and press.
Step 6: The Drawstring Closure
I chose a drawstring because I wanted a relaxed look.
The Assembly: Place the outer bag inside the lining (right sides together), sew around the top, and pull the bag through a small opening in the lining.
Mistake Alert: Make sure you leave a gap in your side seams for the cord to pass through! I had to use my seam ripper to fix this, but we got there in the end.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Top-stitch the top edge to keep the lining in place. For the cord, I used some leftover material from an old project.
My Advice: Wrap a little bit of tape around the end of your cord before attaching the safety pin. This stops it from unraveling while you thread it through the casing!
And Voila!
A one of a kind tote bag!
I’ve been using this bag every single day. It’s a reflection of all my past projects—every scrap tells a story.
Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be boring; it can be colorful, textured, and uniquely yours. If you make your own version of the Etheria Scrap Tote, please tag me! I would love to see your color combinations.
If you enjoyed this experiment, make sure to check out my other blog posts and videos for more sewing inspiration. Happy making!
